Editor's note: With offseason work across the league coming to an end, the focus shifts to the steamy summer workouts ahead. The countdown to training camp has begun. To get you fully primed for the preseason and beyond, Sporting News provides in-depth looks at all 32 teams leading into camps. Today: Tennessee Titans. Thursday: Jacksonville Jaguars.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans have plenty of issues to sort through during training camp, and none will be a snap to settle — especially at quarterback. Veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year man Jake Locker are battling for the starting job.

A year ago, Hasselbeck started all 16 games, but Locker did enough to convince coaches he deserves a legitimate shot this fall.

Hasselbeck, headed into his 14th NFL season, has a huge edge in experience and is considered the overwhelming favorite to win the job. Locker, however, would give the team an extra dimension because of his mobility.

Coach Mike Munchak said the team can’t go wrong.

“There are always pluses and minuses," Munchak said. “I don’t think anyone in this building would hold that against whoever the quarterback is. I think they would be excited about either one."

Munchak admitted the brutal start to the 2012 schedule — the Titans play the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans the first four weeks — could play a factor in the decision. He would also like to have his starting quarterback in place by late August. The competition should make training camp especially interesting.

What’s new: Offense

Gone are the days when the Titans relied on running back Chris Johnson to carry the load on offense. While Johnson, who has more rushing yards than any NFL back over the past four seasons, will be a main cog, the Titans have more weapons than they’ve ever had since moving to Tennessee before the 1997 season.

Receiver Kendall Wright, the team’s first-round pick out of Baylor, figures to be part of a wide-open attack that will feature three- and four-wide receiver sets. Wright is learning multiple positions, and he made great strides during offseason workouts. How quickly he gets up to speed during training camp will go a long way in determining how much the Titans can use Wright.

Meanwhile, the Titans will have to be patient with receiver Kenny Britt during camp as he works his way back from last year’s ACL injury.

What’s new: Defense

The Titans were 31st in the NFL in sacks in 2011 and must find a way to generate more of a pass rush. The addition of defensive end Kamerion Wimbley, previously with the Oakland Raiders, should help. The Titans also believe defensive end Derrick Morgan should make a much bigger impact after struggling while coming off his an ACL injury last season.

But the Titans also must sort out the secondary after the departure of cornerback Cortland Finnegan. A number of players will compete in training camp to fill Finnegan’s spot. Cornerback Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner will be on the field, but a youngster — more than likely either Tommie Campbell or Chris Hawkins — will also be on the spot at cornerback. Campbell worked ahead of Hawkins during offseason workouts and is expected to play on the outside when Verner moves into the slot.

Camp goals

1. Determine the starting QB. Heading into camp, it figures to be Hasselbeck’s job to lose. He has experience, is a leader and played well in 2011 in his first season with the team. Now the question is whether Locker can significantly close the gap, or even pass him. If it’s close, the Titans might figure there’s no use waiting any longer for their quarterback of the future.

2. Settle center position. All eyes will be on the race at quarterback, but keep an eye on the players snapping the football. Veteran Eugene Amano is locked in a competition for his starting spot, with Kevin Matthews his biggest competition. Matthews is the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, who is the team’s offensive line coach.

3. Get Kendall Wright right. The Titans initially planned to lock Wright into the "X" position and let him get comfortable. Wright picked things up so quickly during offseason workouts, however, they added receiver positions to his assignments. The more Wright can do, the better off the Titans will be in 2012. He’s a weapon who also could be used in the return game as well.

Breakout player

Tight end Jared Cook has had his moments in his first three NFL seasons, but they were spread out. After catching two balls or fewer in nine of the team’s first 13 games last year — including two games in December when he didn’t have a single catch — Cook went out with a bang. He had 21 catches for 335 yards in the last three games to finish nine yards behind Frank Wycheck for the best season for a Titans tight end. Cook had 49 catches for 759 yards and three touchdowns.

Now, the team expects Cook to be more consistent.

“I am not satisfied with where I’m at," Cook said. “I want to get better at every phase and be a guy coaches can count on week in and week out. I want to be that complete tight end that everybody looks around the league and sees. That’s what I am looking forward to.”

Cook has added extra weight to his 6-5 inch frame to become a better blocker as well.

“Hopefully I’ll get a lot more opportunities,’’ Cook said. “But the way last season ended, it does motivate you. I am all right with the way it ended, but my production needs to pick up all year obviously. So my goal is to be more consistent and productive. I am just going to try and keep it going.”

Bottom line

With the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars in transition, it should be a two-team race in the AFC South between the Texans and Titans. So, can the Titans close the gap from last season, and this time make the playoffs?

The offense should be far more explosive and will use training camp to start clicking. If the Titans can get Wright and Britt going at the same time, they should be tough to defend. The Titans will need defensive players to emerge and be more productive to be a complete team — and a contender — this fall.